Frank's Fixies Co.

Story from Aaron Hermsen & Joaquin Valdes

Frank’s Fixies is a bicycle company based in Des Moines, Iowa, established in late 2013 by Aaron Hermsen and Joaquin Valdes after they got inspired during their days as foreign students in Shanghai, China. Since its inception, this startup company has experiment a lot of changes: from different business models to the addition of third team member Isaac Sheila-Stevens.

During the summer of 2014, the company received the support from a business incubator catered for students and sponsored by the Drake University Entrepreneurship Center. The business received financial support as well as mentorship and introduction to a rich network of professionals from the Des Moines area.

Today Frank’s Fixies is focused in selling their fixed gear and single speed bicycles as well as their apparel. Their bicycle style unique designs, but for the consumer that is looking to go even further in terms of personalization, Frank’s Fixies offers custom made bikes where every component is selected for the consumers’ greatest satisfaction.

As of lately Hermsen, Valdes, and Shella-Steven have started screen printing services. Thier capability to print their own apparel has led them to be able to produce apparel for different campus organizations across Drake University.

This summer, the team at Frank’s Fixies offered new bikes and products and participated in various popular local events such as music festivals 80|35 and Hinterland, other Des Moines classic like Drake Relays, the Downtown Farmer’s Market and RAGBRAI.